Navy PCS orders

More than 320,000 men and women actively serve in the U.S. Navy, and thousands of service members receive PCS orders each year. While Navy moves can be exciting — offering the opportunity to live somewhere different and meet new people — they can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to do. As you start planning, the following information can help guide you through the process of a Navy PCS. It covers important details about official orders, moving options, weight tickets, advance payments and more.

What’s it like to drive a moving truck?

While it’s not all that different from operating a typical vehicle, driving a moving truck requires a few basic adjustments. It’s bigger, some buttons may be in different places, some controls may not work the same way and the blind spots may not be where you’re used to. Familiarizing yourself with the truck and how to drive it will help you and your belongings arrive safely.

Making a military move with your family

Whether for a new unit assignment, a promotion or to complete a tour of duty, there are a number of reasons why military families move. In fact, statistics show that the average military family moves every two to three years, which accounts to about three times more often than that of a typical civilian family.

Although moving is a way of life for military servicepeople, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can still be emotional for everyone involved. Use this guide to find resources that can help your family make a successful transition.

Finding military moving discounts

Military members have access to deals and discounts on many services, and long-distance moves are no exception! No matter your duty status or reason for moving — PCS or just into a new home — many moving companies offer military discounts to help you keep costs low. Learn more about available options and find out how to save on your move.

Important information about rental trucks and car seats

Did you know the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends children 12 and younger ride properly restrained in the back seat? There are a few different reasons for this: primarily, it helps reduce the risk of accident-related injury by 33% and it helps protect children from airbag deployment. But what should you do if you’re riding in a vehicle that doesn’t have a back seat (like a rental truck)? Keep reading to learn what the government and some rental companies recommend, and get info about alternative moving solutions.

Getting ready for deployment

The thought of being away from your family, friends, home and normal routine for an extended period of time can lead to multiple questions. Will your family be OK? How will bills be paid? Who will handle property maintenance? While there are quite a few things to take care of, planning ahead can help reduce stress and make the process easier.

How U-Haul® prices add up

As you compare moving options, you might think at first glance that truck rental is the cheapest. However, the price quoted online isn’t the entire picture. Several expenses aren’t included in that initial rate, and adding those in could put you over budget. Keep reading to learn more about what U-Haul® rates include and what those extras are, then compare sample moves to help you choose the right service.

Getting weight tickets for a military move

One of the biggest concerns when completing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, is getting reimbursed. While there’s other paperwork to complete, weight tickets are a vital component. If you’re using a rental truck, you have to figure out how to get them, and if you’re hiring a moving company, you have to make sure they take care of everything. Learn more about what weight tickets you need, how to get them and how U-Pack simplifies the PPM process.

How much will my military move cost?

One of the most important parts of completing a Personally Procured Move (PPM)/do-it-yourself (DITY) move is staying within your reimbursement budget. Since you’ll get to keep any additional money, finding ways to keep your moving costs low can make a big impact. Learn how to use a DITY move calculator to determine the government payout, then figure out the costs of your PPM to see if it’s a cost-effective option.

Speed limits for U-Haul equipment

Planning to rent a U-Haul® truck or trailer for your move? Before getting behind the wheel, it’s important to know the recommended speed limit for driving one of their trucks or towing their trailers. This way you can keep yourself, your passengers and belongings, and other motorists safe. Continue reading for details on the speed limits U-Haul recommends.

Weigh station rules for rental trucks

Planning to drive your household goods across the country in a rental truck? You may need to get the truck weighed during the trip! While not every state requires you to stop at weigh stations in a rental truck, bypassing them in one that does can lead to costly fines. Use the following information as you map your course.

How to determine moving truck sizes

Picking the right size moving truck can be tricky. It’s tough to imagine all the furniture and items scattered around your home packed tightly together — how much space will you need? Get too small of a truck, and you’ll run out of room. Get too big of one, and there’s extra room for items to shift (plus, you’re paying for unused space). Sort of like Goldilocks, you have to find the one that’s just right. Take a closer look at the capacities of each piece of equipment to determine your best option.

Moving in the winter

To some, winter weather brings on thoughts of sweaters, hot chocolate, holidays and spending time with family. But for others, winter is thought of as the perfect time to move. Because the winter months are typically considered “off-peak” moving season (when prices usually go down), many people opt to move this time of year. But as you consider the advantages, you also want to be mindful about how best to move in the cold weather. If you’re preparing for a long-distance move during the winter, follow these eight tips to ensure you’re prepared.

A look at Hawaii moving costs

Hawaii has some appealing draws: an abundance of beaches, breathtaking scenery, tropical weather and great food, just to name a few. But before you can make a dream of living on the islands a reality, you’ll need to figure out how much it costs to move there. Learn what expenses you should budget for and see how much it costs to move to Hawaii with U-Pack®.

Do you have what you need to rent a U-Haul?

A rental truck is a big, expensive piece of equipment, which is why companies have certain requirements for people to use them. Before attempting to rent a U-Haul®, look through the list below to ensure you can rent a truck. You’ll need to meet their age requirements and have the right license and credit card.